10 Things You Can Do at Home to Protect Endangered Species

We have a responsibility to protect our nation's wildlife, birds, fish and plants on the brink of extinction. We pledge to do these 10 things at home to protect endangered species. Pick one or two to start with today and do the rest throughout the year!

1) Learn about endangered species in your areaTeach your friends and family about the wonderful wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you.

2) Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open spaceThese protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants.

5) Minimize use of herbicides and pesticidesHerbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they are in fact hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels.

6) Slow down when drivingMany animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards.

7) Recycle and buy sustainable productsBuy recycled paper, sustainable products like bamboo and Forest Stewardship Council wood products to protect species that live in forests.

8) Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species Overseas trips can be exciting and fun, and everyone wants a souvenir. But sometimes the souvenirs are made from species nearing extinction.

9) Report any harassment or shooting of threatened and endangered speciesHarassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. Shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened or endangered animal into captivity is also illegal and can lead to their extinction.

10) Protect wildlife habitatPerhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is the widespread destruction of habitat. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the special places where they live.

We have a responsibility to protect our nation's wildlife, birds, fish and plants on the brink of extinction. We pledge to do these 10 things at home to protect endangered species. Pick one or two to start with today and do the rest throughout the year!

1) Learn about endangered species in your areaTeach your friends and family about the wonderful wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you.

2) Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open spaceThese protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants.

5) Minimize use of herbicides and pesticidesHerbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they are in fact hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels.

6) Slow down when drivingMany animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards.

7) Recycle and buy sustainable productsBuy recycled paper, sustainable products like bamboo and Forest Stewardship Council wood products to protect species that live in forests.

8) Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species Overseas trips can be exciting and fun, and everyone wants a souvenir. But sometimes the souvenirs are made from species nearing extinction.

9) Report any harassment or shooting of threatened and endangered speciesHarassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. Shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened or endangered animal into captivity is also illegal and can lead to their extinction.

10) Protect wildlife habitatPerhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is the widespread destruction of habitat. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the special places where they live.